Encased baseboard heating surface



Aug. 2, 1949'. A. E. REISS ENCASED BASEBOARD HEATING SURFACE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 2, 1948 mmwm wwm m t a i 1 I 1..

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A All A HdVLA Aug. 2, 1949. A. E. REISS ENCASED BASEBOARD HEATING SURFACE Filed Aug. 2, 1948 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Zywentor AndreWE Paws, aafi-fiw CI tomeg Patented Aug. 2, 1949 OFFiCE ENCASED BASEBOARD HEATING SURFACE Andrew E. Reiss, Kenmore, N. Y., assignor to The Rlttling Corporation, Buffalo, N. Y,

Application August 2, 3.948, Serial No. t2,085

7 Claims.

This invention relates to heating apparatus, and it has particular reference to the provision oi. heating surface of the type adapted to be installed around the lower part of the walls of a room-commonly called baseboard surface'and to casing and supporting means therefor.

It has heretofore been proposed to heat the rooms of buildings by means of coils or lengths of pipe extending around the walls of the room, and to provide a protective casing over the coils. The piping is supplied with steam or hot water. and this form of heating surface constitutes one alternative to the well known upright cast iron radiators. It has also been proposed to form'the heating surface from one or more lengths of met-allic tubing provided with heat conducting fins which extend the heat transfer surface of the tubing, and to mount the heating elements close to the floor line. An installation of this character is sometimes referred to as a baseboard heater, inasmuch as it is located at that region of the wall usually finished with a baseboard or lower portion of panelling.

While baseboard heating surface is adequate to supply suflicient heat to a room, and has certain advantages over other types of heating systems from the viewpoint of overall performance, it has not met with complete acceptance. One reason relates to the relative costs of installation, a large portion of whichis chargeable to labor. Another objection is that the air circulatin through the heating coils may deposit dirt on the walls, rendering the appearance of the room unsightly and necessitating frequent cleaning. Still another objection is that the casing does not blend into the architectural or decorative'scheme, and it is therefore not used for esthetic reasons.

According to the present invention, these and other objections are met by providing an improved heating coil of the fin and tube type, so constructed and arranged that manufacturing and installation costs are reduced, wherein an easily applied and detachable and decorative casing is incorporated, and which will meet the requirements of a wide variety of applications in an eilicient manner. The principles and advantages of the invention will be fully understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment, illustrated in the accompanying drawins. wherein:

Fig. 1 is a P rspective showing the heating coil and easing installed in a corner of a. room;

Fix. 2 is a transverse section drawn on an enlarged scale;

2 Fig. 3 a perspective of a coil mounting and cover retaining bracket;

Fig. 4 is a top plan and Fig. 5 is a section taken substantially on the be formed in convenient lengths adapted to the installation dimensions to be encountered, and it can be assembled on the job as hereinafter more fully explained. As shown in Fig. 1, the coil is mounted at and against the lower portion of one or more of the walls i4, i5, of a room, being elevated from the floor l6 approximately one and one-half inches. The fins l3 may be approximately two by five and one-half inches, from which it will be apparent that the coil may be installed at the baseboard region of the room to have generally the same overall height and to project only slightly farther over the floor area.

The coil in is supported along the wall and above the floor by means of a series of mounting brackets 2|, shown in perspective in Fig. 3. These brackets are angle shaped, having a wall flange 22 formed with apertures 23, and a coil flange 24 formed with pipe notches 25 and 26. The notch 25 is U-shaped, and is cut from the top margin of the flange 24, while the notch 26 is cut from the side margin to underlie the notch 25. Each notch is formed with a rounded bottom of such size as to receive the tubes II and I2. It is to be noted that the wall flange 22 is of less height than the coil flange 24, thereby providing a clearance gap 21 above the top edge of the flange 22 and the adjoining inner edge of the flange 24. This gap has a thickness equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the metal from which the bracket is formed. Additionally, the coil flange 24 is provided with an outwardly and downwardly extending finger 28 along its front edge and below the notch 26, and the finger terminates in a rounded toe portion 29 projecting below the lower edges of the flanges.

In order to mount the coil, the brackets 2| are secured against the plaster (the baseboard itself preferably having been removed or omitted) by means of screws 3!, as best shown in Figs. 2 and 5. A tight connection can readily be obtained by spacing the brackets 2| to abut the wall adjacent every other stud, so that the screws can seat in the woodwork, rather thar;1f the laster alone. A coil section is then 1 up Ever the brackets, the flanges 24 passing between adjacent fins l3, and the tube passing over the upper edges of the fianges. It will be noted that the flange opening 26 is longer than the flange opening 25, so that the lower tube |2 may enter its notch without interference while the tube II is elevated above the top of the bracket. When the tubes are aligned with the notches, the coil may be dropped into place, and it obviously will be securely held except against intentiona1 dismantling.

It is further to be noted that the flanges 24 ave substantially the same width and height as the fins I3. The edges of the fins and the flanges 24 will therefore be in substantially the same planes when the coil section is located, only the finger 28 projecting beyond the coil. Due to the direct metallic contact between the tubes and brackets, the latter therefore add to the indirect heating surface and accordingly to the total heat transfer ca acity.

As best s hown in Fig. 5, the projecting ends of the tubes II and I2 are connected to manifolding inlet and outlet fittings 33 and 35 respectively. In some installations, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, it may be desirable to connect two or more sections In directly to each other before connecting the ends to the fittings. In Fig. 5, it has been assumed that the left hand end is the inlet end for whatever over-all length of coil i has been installed, while the right hand end is the discharge end. Heating fluid, such as steam or hot water, is supplied through a riser 32 for distribution to and through the coil, while condensate is returned to the boiler through a return line 34.

The inlet manifold 33 comprises a relatively short length of tubing having angularly disposed portions 36 and 31, the section 31 having an overall length approximating the height of the coil I0, and being formed with two nipples 38 and 39 which can be abutted against or telescoped over the tubes H and i2, and thereafter made fluid tight by brazing, The upper end of the leg 31 is also formed with a reduced neck 4| which is tapped, and is adapted to receive either a plug 42. or a standard air bleed valve, not shown. The nipples 38 and 39 are equally spaced from the extremities of the leg section 31. and they are also aligned in the vertical plane, so that the fitting 33 can be turned upside down, and still engage the tubes II and I2. Under this condition, the lower trace of the fitting would be in the same horizontal plane as the upper end of the reduced portion 4|, while the end of the portion 4| would then be in substantially the same horizontal plane as the lower edges of the fins l3 and brackets 2|.

This construction permits the steam fitter to couple the coil into the supply line with either bottom or overhead feed, as he may elect to do depending on the nature of the sytem and location of supply line, but without disturbing the relations desired between the coils and the baseboard location.

The outlet fitting 35 is formed to embody the same features of universality, and also to mak additional provision for an air trap. The fitting comp s l rly related sections 44 and 45, and the vertical section 45 merges into a receiver formed with a pped vent 41. Tube ni ples 48 and 49, adapted to be connected to the tubes H and I2, extend respectively from the section 45 and the end of the receiver 45, with the centers in the same vertical plane and their ends also aligned. The over-all height of the fitting, and th location of the nipples 4| and 49 with respect thereto, again are such that the fitting can be inverted and still line up with the coil tubes and brackets.

The receiver 45 is shown as equipped with a conventional air vent valve 5| instead of a plug, so that air trapped in the coil length can collect in the overhead space of the receiver without serious interference with the flow of heating fluid. The valve 5| may be opened as occasion requires to purge the air. When the fitting is inverted, the opening 41 may be plugged or provided with a drain valve.

The coil assembly is enclosed by a sheet metal casing generally comprising a top cover and deflector section 53, a front cover section 54, and a bottom damper section 55; As best shown in Fig. 2, the top cover section 52 is formed with an imperforate back plate having a depending flange 51, an angularly bent overhanging flange 58, and a reversely bent flange 59 disposed at a right angle to the flange 51. The flange 51 is connected by spot welding or other suitable means to a vertical flange SI of the top cover proper, and the flange il is continuous with a right angled perforated flange 62. The thickness of the combined flanges 51 and ii is equal to or slightly less than the thickness of the, flang 22 of the bracket 2|, so that the cover section 53 can be slipped into the clearance gap 21, and thereby secured in position. When the flanges 51 and 5| are seated, the perforated flange 62 contacts the upper edges of the fins l3 and the brackets 2|.

As best shown in Fig. 4, the perforations in the flange 82 are made as a series of elongated slots 63, whose combined area represents a high percentage, say seventy-five per cent, of the total area of the flange 62. Inasmuch as the cover flange rests on the edges of the fins and brackets. adequate support and resistance to bending is provided. It is intended that the connecting portions between the slots 83 may be out out as required, so that valves, such as the valve 5|, may be readily accessible. As shown in Fig. 5, for example, the cover 62 rests not only on the edges of the fins, but also barely contacts the receiver 45, while the valve 5| projects above and in front of the deflector flange 58. The top cover and deflector section may be retained in position after assembly by means of a moulding strip 65 nailed over the flange 59, and which also adds to the decorative finish and simulation of a conventional baseboard.

The front edge of the cover section 62 is also formed with a reversely bent upstanding flange 65 which provides a tongue for the reception and retention of the front cover 54. The front cover is preferably imperforate, and it comprises a sheet of suflicient width to abut the front edges of the fins and brackets, and an upper reversely bent hooked portion 61 which fits over the flange 56. The lower portion of the cover 54 is bent outwardly to follow the contour of the fingers 24, and the lower edge 68 is bent inwardly to hook under the toe elements 29 of the brackets 2|. In assembly, the hooked edge 51 is seated on the flange 66, and the cover is then struck sharply along the bottom edge, to snap the edge 68 under the toes 29. This connection retains the front cover in position against all adventitious strains,

but it permits the front cover to be removed for cleaning purposesby simply tugging at the inturned lower edge.

The bottom damper section 55 comprises a back plate ll whose upper edge is rolled to form a hinge Joint with a similarly rolled plate 12. The plate I: is preferably slightly curved. as shown in Fig. 2, and it is of such width that, when elevated against the bottom of the coil Ill, its forward edge closely approaches the inner edge of the cover it. When the plate I2 is down in the full line position shown in the flgure, flow of air through the coil and out through the top cover takes place as shown by the arrows. It will be seen that the angular inclination of the plate I! provides a scoop' to direct the air into the casing, just as the deflector flange 58 serves to direct the warm air outwardly.

When the damper I2 is elevated, air flow is substantially stopped, and therefore only a small amount of heat will be supplied from that section of the coil. The damper plates 12 may be made in lengths which can be conveniently handled along the length of the wall, and independently operated by any suitable means. There is herein illustrated a pull chain I3 extending up through the coil Ill, and adapted to be caught in a small slot cut into the top cover 62 at any convenient point. By dividing the damper platen into a number of sections, heating may be uniformly distributed around the wall or localized, as conditions may demand. The damper section may be retained in position by a moulding strip 14 nailed to the wall and the floor.

To install the surface and casing, the recommended procedure is to remove the baseboard. ii there is one in the room, and then secure the lower damper section 55 in position. Nailing is not only facilitated, but the upper edge of the back plate ll may be utilized as gauge for the lower edges of the brackets 2|, which are next located. The coil I is then placed in position and the necessary steamfitting connections are made. Then the deflector plate and top cover assembly 53 are positioned and secured, and all that remains to be done is to apply the removable front cover. a

The deflector section 58 serves to divert the emergent air stream away from the walls and out into the open space, thus minimizing the formation of smudge marks. It has also been found that the curved damper plates tend to prevent the accumulation of dirt along the moulding 14,

and that the clearance gap beneath the coil, when bers to provide an efi'icient heating assembly.

'While the invention has been particularly described with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, it is to be understood that it is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations without departure from its principles, and

it is therefore intended to include all constructions which fall within the scope of the following claims. 7

6 I- claim: a l. Baseboard heating surface comprising a length of tubing having transverse spaced finsaflixed thereto, bracket members for securing said tubing along a wall, said bracket members Y having a flanged portion of substantially the same width and height as the fins and a thickness less than the distance between adjacent fins, said flanged portion being formed with a notch along an edge thereof in which the tube is supported, the depth of the notch being such that the edges of the fins and flanges lie substantially in a common plane, a perforated top cover member positioned, over the upper edges of the fins and flanges, and a front cover member positioned over the front edges of the fins and flanges and being detachably connected tosaid flanges. 2. Baseboard heating surface comprising parallel lengths of tubing having spaced transverse fins aflixed thereto, bracket members for securing said tubing along a wall, said bracket members having a wall flange and an angularly relatedcoil flange, the coil flange having a width and height substantially equal to the width and 25 height of the fins, notches cut into the coil flange along adjacent edges thereof, said notches being of suchdepth and width as to receive the tubes and locate the fins in aligned relationship with the flanges, inlet and outlet fittings at the. ends of the tubes and connected thereto to couple the tubes in parallel, said fittings having an overall height substantially coextensive with the height of the fins and being aligned at top and bottom with the edges of the fins, and cover members positioned over and aiorm the top and front edges of the fins and brackets.

3. Baseboard heating surface comprising parallel lengths of spaced tubing, spaced transverse fins intersecting the tubing and afllxed thereto, the flns extending above and below the tubing equidistantly and also equidistantly to each side thereof, bracket members for mounting the tubing along a wall, said bracket members each comprising a wall flange and an angularly related coil flange, said coil flanges having substantially the same width and height as the flns, notches cut in the top and side edges of the coil flanges along the longitudinal center line thereof, the notch along the top edge being of such depth that when a tube length is supported therein the upper edge of the fins are aligned with the top edges of the coil flange, the notch along the side edge being of greater length than the notch in the top edge and being adapted simultaneously to support another length of tubing, whereby the tube and fln assembly may be pushed over the bracksis and toward said notches and dropped into retained position, a clearance gap formed at the rear of the coil flanges, a top cover adapted to 50 rest on top of the fins and brackets and having an angular section adapted to engage in the clearance gap, and a front cover section adapted to be connected to the top cover and abut the forward edges of the fins and coil flanges.

4. Baseboard heating surface comprising a heating coil adapted to be mounted along the baseboard region of a room wall, mounting brackets for supporting the coil along the wall, said brackets comprising angularly related wall flanges and coil flanges, the coil @nges being formed with notches for engaging and supporting the tubes of the coil, a clearance, gap formed at the rear edge of the coil flanges, an outwardly and downwardly projecting fingerformed at the to forward edges of the coil flanges, a top cover section having a flange portion adapted to seat in the clearance gap,.an outwardly and upwardly extending deflector flange and a horizontally extending top cover flange, said last named flange being perforated and resting on the tops of the bracket coil flanges and being formed at its forward edge with a reversely bent tongue, 9. front cover plate having a hooked flange adapted to engage over said tongue and an inturned lower margin adapted to hook under said fingers.

5. Heating surface adapted to be disposed along the lower portion of the walls of a room comprising a heating coilhaving parallel tubes and extended fins connected thereto, fittings at the ends of the coil and disposed within the area delimited by the fins, mounting brackets for the coil comprising angularly disposed wall and coil flanges, said coil flanges being formed with notches to receive and support the tubes of the coil, said brackets being formed with clearance notches on the wall side thereof and a projecting finger on the room side thereof, a front cover having a reversely bent margin adapted to hook over the finger, top and bottom covers for the coil adapted to extend into the room substantially the width of the brackets, at least one of said last named covers having a flange portion seated in said clearance notches and at least one of said last named covers being hingedly mounted for movement toward and away from the adjacent ends of the brackets, said hingedly mounted cover when positioned against the brackets providing a damper to interrupt the flow of air and when swung away from the brackets providing an air directing means.

8. Baseboard heating surface comprising a heating coil having parallel lengths of tubing adapted to be mounted along the lower portion of a room wall, heat radiating flns connected to and extending from the tubing, inlet and outlet fittings connected to the tubes at the ends there-- oi. each of said fittings having a vertical leg portion and nipples extending therefrom for connecting the tubes in parallel, the over-all height of the fittings and the location of the nipples being such that the fittings may beassembled with either end thereof in top or bottom position with respect to the coil and the extremities of the fittings lying within the area delimited by the coil, mounting brackets for the coil comprising angularly related wall and coil flanges, said coil flanges having a height and width substantially coextensive with the height and width of the larly disposed flange and projecting upwardly I and outwardly therefrom. a damper plate pivotally mounted at the opposite end of the coil beneath said coil flanges, and a front cover positioned over the room face of the coil and bracket edges, said front cover having marginal portions interengaged with said first named cover and said brackets.

7. A casing member for a baseboard tubular heating coil comprising brackets having angularly related wall flanges and coil and easing flanges, said coil flange being formed with notches to support the tubing of the cell, a portion of the wall flange being. cut away at its junction with the coil flange to provide a clearance gap at the rear edge of the coil flange, an outwardly and downwardly projecting finger on the front edge of the coil flange and diagonally opposed to the clearance gap, 9. top cover and deflector member having a wall flange adapted to seat in the clearance gap, an outwardly and upwardly deflecting flange, and a top cover flange disposed at right angles to the wall flange, said last named flange being formed with perforations and having a forward upwardly turned tongue adapted to overlie the forward portion of the coil flange, and a front cover plate formed with a reversely bent hook along one edge adapted to engage over said tongue and an inwardly rolled margin along the opposite edge adapted to engage under said fingers.

airpaaw E. Rmss.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the flle of this patent:

UNITED s'ra'ras PATENTS Number Name Date 1,816,604 Murray, Jr. July 28, 1931 1,834,931 9 Bennett et al. Dec. 8, 1931 1,865,511 Frost July 5, 1932 1,880,281 Reynolds Oct. 4. 1932 1,882,452 Shurtlefl Oct. 11, 1932 

